Manchester United’s starting lineup: A defense with vulnerabilities suggests a challenging match ahead against Crystal Palace.

Manchester United, with a depleted squad, will have to travel to Crystal Palace’s ground in Matchday 36 of the Premier League.

Crystal Palace has been an interesting team in the 2023-2024 Premier League season. They often struggle against lower-ranked teams but perform well when facing higher-ranked opponents.

Liverpool, West Ham, and Newcastle have all suffered defeats against Palace, and even the reigning champions Manchester City have faced difficulties.

Under the guidance of Oliver Glasner, Palace is unbeaten in their last four matches, including three victories. Striker Jean-Philippe Mateta has been leading the charge for Palace with four goals in his last three games. The French forward poses a threat that Manchester United should be cautious of.Man Utd hold on to defeat Crystal Palace after Casemiro madness - but must  be much smarter in the future | Goal.com India

On the other hand, Manchester United has been experiencing instability. Injuries continue to plague their defensive core, and Erik ten Hag has had to constantly patch up the defense, leading to inconsistency.

From hoping for a Champions League spot, Manchester United is now trying to accumulate points to secure a place in the Europa League. However, they have only won one of their last seven matches and are predicted to face difficulties against Palace. The possibility of their 13th Premier League defeat this season looms over the Red Devils.

In terms of personnel, Palace is likely to welcome back Eberechi Eze, who was absent in their previous match against Fulham due to injury concerns.Manchester United vs Crystal Palace LIVE: Premier League result, final  score and reaction | The Independent

Meanwhile, Jefferson Lerma is nearing recovery from a thigh injury, and Marc Guehi is also ready to return to action.

On the United side, Marcus Rashford is likely to continue his absence, while Scott McTominay is racing against time to make a comeback. It is highly probable that Ten Hag will start Mason Mount.Crystal Palace vs Manchester United – Match Preview

Jonny Evans, Luke Shaw, Lisandro Martinez, and Anthony Martial are all still unavailable for the match against Palace. Worse yet, Ten Hag has confirmed that Bruno Fernandes sustained an injury in the draw against Burnley.

Expected Crystal Palace lineup: Henderson, Clyne, Andersen, Richards, Munoz, Hughes, Mitchell, Wharton, Olise, Ayew, Mateta.

Expected Manchester United lineup: Onana, Maguire, Casemiro, Wan-Bissaka, Dalot, McTominay, Eriksen, Mason Mount, Garnacho, Mainoo, Hojlund.